Presidents of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Turkey stressed that the two countries’ authorities were determined to deepen ties in all fields and that there were no obstacles on this path.

In the meeting between President Hassan Rouhani of Iran and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey late on Saturday on the margins of OIC summit in Astana, Kazakhstan, Dr Rouhani said: “We must make a great development in Iran-Turkey relations, especially in economic fields, based on capabilities of the two countries”.

Describing relations between the two countries better than before, President Rouhani said: “The authorities of Iran and Turkey are determined to deepen bilateral relations and after the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and lift of sanctions, there is a good ground for a new development in relations”.

On the importance of banking cooperation, he said: “Iran’s banking relations with many countries has been improved and development of banking cooperation between Iran and Turkey is very important”.

“Facilitating banking cooperation is an important base for developing ties between the two countries and reaching $30-billion annual trade goal,” added the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Iran and Turkey are two great, effective countries in the region, said Rouhani adding: “Cooperation between the two countries in various fields such as combatting terrorism and establishing stability in the region has been very effective”.

He expressed hope that Iran-Turkey cooperation, together with Russia in establishing security and stability in Syria yield final result soon.

Stressing that terrorism is nearing its end in the region, he said: “Of course, there is a long way to root out terrorism and I hope that with regard to common views of the two countries in fighting extremism and violence, Iran and Turkey can have good cooperation in this field”.

“In dealing with regional issues, both countries are determined to maintain stability in geographical borders and territorial integrity of the neighbouring countries and those in the region. Any change in geography and borders starts major tensions and this will harm all peoples of the region,” Dr Rouhani added.

He also went on to refer to the sad conditions of Muslims in Myanmar, saying: “In Myanmar, a major catastrophe is underway and Prompt cessation of violence against Rohingya Muslims and treating the injured and refugees must be collective goal of all Muslim states”.

Iran’s humanitarian aid will be sent to Myanmar Muslims soon, said Rouhani adding: “Cooperation and consultation among all Islamic countries, particularly between Iran and Turkey, can be very effective and significant in this regard”.

“Iran, Turkey and other Islamic countries must send humanitarian aid to Muslims in Myanmar and internationally press the government in Myanmar to stop violence against Muslims. I hope that tomorrow’s summit sends a very clear, strong message to those who are using violence against Muslims in Myanmar,” continued the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

During the meeting, the President of Turkey also expressed happiness with close, friendly relations between Iran and Turkey, adding: “The two countries have several plans to deepen ties in various fields”.

Describing economies of the two countries complementary, Erdoğan said: “With the lift of sanctions against Iran, the groundwork is ready to promote ties. Banks of the two countries, in particular the central banks must remove the obstacles on the way of development of relations and banking cooperation”.

He also said that Iran and Turkey’s alliance in fighting against terrorism is very important, adding: “The two countries’ joint fight against terrorism is very effective for stability in the region

Referring to the situation in Syria as an example to the fact that issues cannot be resolved through military ways, he said: “Syria is the cradle of civilisation in the region and we mustn’t allow foreign powers intervene in Syria to serve their own interests”.

“We must seriously warn Myanmar authorities to promptly cease violence,” the President of Turkey added, saying: “I am very hopeful that in tomorrow’s summit, we issue a statement about Myanmar”.